Look, today isn't the worst day to get out there, but you're gonna earn every step, especially if you ignore the forecast.

🫁 Lungs & Joints Score?/10
    • Hold onto your hats (and your balance): We're looking at some serious southwest winds today, gusting up to 70 km/h. If you're planning a run along the Rivers Trail, expect to feel like you're fighting a headwind both ways at some point. It'll also make that -0.4°C feel a lot colder than it actually is.
    • Air's just "okay": The AQI is sitting at 73, with ozone being the dominant pollutant. It’s not red alert, but if you've got sensitive lungs, you might notice it, especially combined with those high winds.
    • Watch for sneaky ice: Even though it's "clear" out there now, the ground temp is still flirting with freezing. Any spots that didn't get sunshine or aren't regularly cleared, like the shady patches in Peterson Creek Park, could be slick. Black ice is a real thing, folks.

Winds Will Be a Workout in Themselves

Let's be real, you signed up for a run, not a kite-flying competition, but today's winds are going to make you question that. Environment Canada is calling for southwest winds building up to 50 km/h and gusting to 70 km/h by late morning. That's enough to knock you off your stride, push you around corners, and generally make you feel like you're running uphill both ways. If you're hitting any exposed areas, like the stretches of the Rivers Trail near the confluence of the North and South Thompson, brace yourself. It'll be a core workout you didn't ask for.

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Wind Chill is No Joke: High winds at near-freezing temperatures dramatically increase the wind chill. Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and consider saving your long, exposed runs for a calmer day. Frostbite isn't just for mountaintops.

AQI: Just a Touch Hazy

The Air Quality Index is at a moderate 73 due to ozone. For most of us, this is just a minor irritant, but if you have respiratory conditions, it might mean a slightly heavier chest than usual. Combine that with the fierce winds stirring everything up, and it's not exactly pristine mountain air. Keep an eye on how you feel and don't push through discomfort.

Trails: Paved is Preferable, But Still Wary

While the City does a decent job on major routes, not everything is cleared to perfection. Paved paths like sections of the Rivers Trail are usually good, and the Xget'tem' Trail in Peterson Creek Nature Park is typically cleared and even lit at night. But if you're thinking of venturing onto unmaintained trails, especially in areas like Pineview, those are generally closed for the season and not looked after, so you're on your own with potential snow and ice. Assume any dirt or gravel trail that hasn't seen heavy foot traffic or a plow recently could be a skating rink, particularly in shaded gullies. Ice cleats might be overkill on the Rivers Trail but could save your butt if you head for higher ground.

Upcoming Burn in Peterson Creek Park

Heads up for next week: the BC Wildfire Service, along with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc and Kamloops Fire Rescue, is planning a prescribed burn in Peterson Creek Park. They're saying it "could start as early as next week" after February 25. This means temporary trail closures and, you guessed it, "visible smoke and air quality impacts" are expected. Keep an eye on local news for exact dates and plan your runs around it. Breathing smoke isn't part of any healthy workout routine.

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Construction Zone Ahead: Don't forget about the ongoing Tranquille Road Sanitary Main and Road Enhancement Project. Phase 3 is underway from Crestline Street to Windbreak Street, meaning road closures for through traffic and changes to pathways. If Tranquille is part of your regular loop, plan an alternate route or be ready for detours.

The Bottom Line

It's Kamloops, we run in all kinds of weather. Just be smart about it today. Those winds are no joke, the air quality is mediocre, and there's always the chance of ice. Stick to well-maintained, cleared paths if you want to avoid a visit to my office (or worse, the ER). Bundle up, layer up, and maybe shorten that usual route a bit.

Data grounded with CastanetKamloops.net, Environment Canada, and Let's Talk Kamloops from February 25, 2026.